The article titled “Cyberbullying on Social Media: Definitions, Prevalence, and Impact Challenges,” written by Geraldine Ray, Christopher D. McDermott, and Mathew Nico, is an article previously discussed briefly in the Annotated Bibliography. However, this article deserves a deeper analysis since it covers everything that has been presented so far in class. It is an exhaustive study on cyberbullying and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. The article aims to analyze the demographics most affected by cyberbullying and advocates for a more universally standardized definition of cyberbullying, as most studies at the time of the journal’s publication had varying views on what constitutes cyberbullying.

This topic relates to the principles of social sciences because it examines behavioral traits such as Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism, but also explores deeper aspects since people with these negative traits do not always engage in cyberbullying. Social science is fundamentally about understanding people, and through this article, the authors aim to do so by gaining a better understanding of cyberbullying, the people affected, and those who perpetrate it. Especially by analyzing demographics that are often overlooked, such as adults and the elderly.

The study’s key questions addressed how cyberbullying on social media is defined, how prevalent it is, and which demographics are often overlooked, such as adults and the elderly. The researchers employed a systematic literature review using the PRISMA search strategy. They examined 71 papers published between 2007 and 2022 to identify, screen, and synthesize previous studies (Ray et al., 2024). They relied less on statistical meta-analysis and more on thematic synthesis and frequency reporting.

In class, we discussed the dangers of cyberbullying and the motives behind individuals’ participation in this digital misconduct. An example mentioned in class was boredom. Those who engage in cyberbullying do not necessarily possess narcissistic or sadistic traits; often, they do it simply out of boredom. Regardless of motivation, the article relates to the challenges, concerns, and contributions of marginalized groups by emphasizing those often overlooked as victims of cyberbullying. Such as adults, the elderly, disabled individuals, or minorities. Most studies tend to focus on teenagers rather than these groups.

Ultimately, what can be done about this? The overall contribution of this study to society includes highlighting less-discussed groups affected by cyberbullying, focusing on traits frequently associated with perpetrators, and establishing a clear, universal definition of cyberbullying. Their standardized definition is: “The use of technology to manipulate and exploit targeted vulnerable victims using online aggression or harassment and repeated threats, to embarrass or humiliate by posting harmful content, with the purpose or intent to cause psychological and emotional harm, in some cases, leading to physical harm” (Ray et al., 2024).

References

Ray, G., McDermott, C. D., & Nicho, M. (2024). Cyberbullying on social media: Definitions, prevalence, and impact challenges. Journal of Cybersecurity, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/cybsec/tyae026